About Us

Origins:

"Berachah Valley brings to their performances a true spirit of fun and tradition along with inspiration that reaches out beyond the music. We love having them on the World's Original Wheeling Jamboree USA!" - D. Heath / Exec. Dir, Wheeling Jamboree, Inc.

Berachah Valley was created in the spring of 2005 when a few friends came together searching for a place to play traditional bluegrass, gospel, and traditional renditions of current favorites. Audiences quickly see the result is a uniquely smooth combination of musicianship and female vocal harmonies influenced by the recordings of The Isaacs', The Forbes Family, Emmylou Harris, The Whites, and other various artists.

The name for the band is found in its theme Bible verse, II Chronicles 20:26. The players will testify that the clearly evident camaraderie seen on stage is the natural fruit of the great blessing of good friendships and shared faith.

Berachah Valley has had the good fortune to travel to Indiana, Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio to perform at many bluegrass festivals, bluegrass and gospel venues, radio programs, TV programs, fairs and community events.

This is Berachah Valley:

"Berachah Valley" is known for their powerful female trio harmony.

Cathy Baker plays rhythm guitar, sings lead and harmony and is one of the founding members, along with Michelle Edester who continues to blossom with her command of the mandolin. Michelle also provides consistent harmony and is very versatile vocally. Leisa Hinkle completes the vocal trio.

Cathy, Michelle and Leisa take a sophisticated approach to harmony and together produce tight vocal harmonies forBluegrass, Americana, Gospel, Country, Popular tunes and other genres.They are multi-talented vocalists, whose clear sounding, natural voices reach audience members time after time.

Becky Meyers sings occasionally and shares her talent on the banjo. She plays well the many songs which former BV member Merrell Boggs has penned. Many of Merrell's songs are featured on Berachah Valley's current projects: "Mountain Memories Revisited" and "One Cross". Check out our original music at wwww.berachahvalley.com.

Mike Elliott brings much musical experience from his years spent in Nashville, TN and generates much enthusiasm with his explosive lead guitar breaks and his command of the dobro. Mike is extremely diverse, plays many instruments exceptionally well. His experience in Bluegrass, County, Gospel, Swing and Classical Music brings an outstanding element to Berachah Valley.

On the bass is Larry Collins, who plays with much pathos with every movement and motion. During a performance, Larry seems to perceive complex themes, musical contour, and subtle nuances. His use of the bow during several songs is second to none.

Greg Beasley is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo as well. His love of vocal harmony, along with his versatile fiddling style, makes Greg a great fit for Berachah Valley.

Larry along Mike and Greg bring versatility to Berachah Valley when they align themselves vocally for some outstanding male harmony.

Berachah is a term in The Bible which means 'blessing'. We desire to be a blessing via our music.

Venues:

Berachah Valley has played at various venues in and around southwestern Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Berachah Valley routinely plays Bluegrass festivals, fairs, radio programs, regional TV programs, regional events, private parties, reunions and churches. Berachah Valley has been given the opportunity to perform with the entertainers and/or 'open for' the following bands: Blue Highway, Paul Williams and The Victory Trio, Rhonda Vincent, Daily and Vincent, The Moron Brothers, Continental Divide, Pine Mountain Railroad, Don Rigsby, Lost and Found, Newfound Road, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers, Larry Sparks.

The following is a list of festivals/events that Berachah Valley has had the opportunity to perform:

An Evening of Bluegrass/Gospel Music Concert-Coming Together Center-Dayton, Ohio

July 4th Celebration-Middletown, Ohio

Summer of Sounds Concert Series- "The Best of Bluegrass"- Middletown, Ohio

Rose Chapel Outdoor Singing-Dayton, Ohio

The Caesar's Creek Beach Appalachian Music Festival-Waynesville, Ohio

Sons of God Jam-Drexel, Ohio

Perry's Monument-Bass Island, Put-In-Bay, Ohio

Main Street Gospel Singing- Miamisburg, Ohio

Lion's Club-Lynn, Indiana

Masonic Lodge-Franklin, Ohio

Clark Home Place-South Lebanon, Ohio

TV Middletown-Middletown, Ohio

Various churches, too many to list

The band has also taken a little time to record several CD's filled with their trademark harmonies. These recordings include their most requested songs as well as band member favorites. These CD's are available by direct contact with the band or at our live appearances. Music is also available at CDBaby, Airplay Direct, Sound Cloud or BV webpage. See the contact information below.

Reviews:

The following are comments made by promoters/event organizers:

Berachah Valley has had the distinct pleasure of being invited to play the Main Street Arts and Music Festival for three consecutive years. Here is what their website had to say in review:

"Their bluegrass styling have drawn comparisons to such industry icons as The Whites and The Carter Family but make no mistake about it they are in a class of their own. This group of excellent musicians is fronted by three very talented female singers. Check'em out on the Road Apple Old Time Music Stage." -http://www.alphadawgrecords.com/MAMF/music.html

"It was indeed our pleasure to bring you to the City of Troy"....Troy-Hayner.

"Thank you for coming last night to The CTC. You did a fantastic job and everyone enjoyed it. " --Steve Cate-CTC promoter

"Berachah Valley-thank you for the blessing you gave us this year. We are looking forward to next year." --Marvin and Mabel Collins-Business Owners/Festival Organizers

"We are glad to have Berachah Valley this morning. Their name means "blessing." They are a blessing to us. --Pastor Mark Combs-Calvary Church, Kettering, Ohio

"There will be a press release in the Middletown Journal 'GO' section Friday this week about the artists. I submitted your picture as one to be included in the article. TV Middletown will also be filming that day. Thank you. See you at the show." --Robert Hoffman-Festival Organizer

"Berachah Valley-thank you for the outstanding and well received performance. There were many positive comments. Keep up with the good work." --Jim Porter, Eastview Baptist Church